15: Chapter 15 Ji Guangli smiled

Cao Kun explained urgently.

"I'm not joking! Boss, it's true!"

"I happen to... know an executive at their company. I just got off the phone with her. She's agreed to help make the introduction and has already spoken to Manager Li in the Marketing Department!"

"You know an executive at Xuefen?" Ji Guangli's brow furrowed deeper, her eyes filled with suspicion. "Who? What's their position?" She had never heard of Cao Kun having such a connection.

"It's... the Chairman's secretary, Long Huili, Miss Long." Cao Kun slightly obscured Long Huili's actual position.

"The Chairman's secretary?" Ji Guangli sat up a bit straighter.

A secretary's position could be high or low, but if it was the Chairman's personal secretary, their influence was indeed not to be underestimated; they often represented the Chairman's intentions.

The suspicion in her heart lessened slightly, but she still had reservations.

"Why would she help you? How do you know each other?"

"That... it was a bit of a coincidence. We're friends, I guess," Cao Kun said vaguely, quickly pulling the topic back to business.

"She said Manager Li has some business that hasn't been finalized yet, mainly new product packaging and material production. The annual budget is about... two to three million!"

"Two to three million?" This figure finally moved Ji Guangli. She subconsciously repeated it, leaning forward.

"Are you sure? She said it herself? You're sure you're not lying to me?"

Cao Kun knew she was starting to believe him. Feeling much more at ease, he recounted what Long Huili had said in greater detail.

As Cao Kun's description became more specific, the suspicion in Ji Guangli's eyes was gradually replaced by shock and disbelief.

Having followed Xuefen Food for so long, she had some understanding of the company's business structure and procurement processes. The details Cao Kun mentioned didn't sound like they were made up out of thin air.

Could it be... that this subordinate, who usually kept a low profile and had a big argument with her just yesterday, really had such strong connections? And had he just casually pried open a crack in the fortress she had been unable to conquer for so long?

A massive surge of joy flooded her heart like a tide.

If this business could really be secured, it would not only be enough to make up for the loss of that major client but also allow Department Two's performance to directly overtake the others!

Looking at Cao Kun, whose cheeks were flushed from running and excitement and whose forehead was beaded with sweat, she felt for the first time that this young and handsome face was so reliable.

"Boss, how's that? Am I amazing or what? Hurry up and praise me!" Capturing the change in Ji Guangli's gaze, Cao Kun raised his chin proudly, like a child waiting for a compliment.

Seeing his unabashedly proud look, Ji Guangli's first instinct was to put on a stern face and tell him not to get cocky, but the corners of her mouth curved upward uncontrollably.

The heavy pressure, humiliation, and anxiety of the past few days seemed to be broken open by this sudden good news.

A long-lost feeling of relaxation and immense hope surged within her.

"Heehee..."

She actually smiled.

It wasn't a polite business smile, nor was it the weary smile after completing a task. Her eyes crinkled slightly, a genuine smile spreading from within, even revealing a few pearly white teeth.

This smile was like a frozen river thawing or spring flowers blooming, making her bright and beautiful face instantly come alive and radiant.

"You..." She shook her head with a smile, her tone gentler than ever, even carrying a hint of relieved reproach. "You really are quite something. This time... you've done a great service."

She paused, and seeing Cao Kun's even more proud expression, added, "If this deal can be signed smoothly, I'll keep my word. Not only will the previous matters be wiped clean, but I'll also promote you to supervisor."

Looking at Ji Guangli's smiling face, Cao Kun's heart skipped a beat, not just because of her beauty, but because it meant she had truly forgiven him and was in an excellent mood.

He almost cheered out loud. She smiled—did that mean he could complete the system mission?

However, after waiting for two seconds, the notification for the system mission completion did not sound in his mind.

Cao Kun was slightly stunned, then he quickly realized.

Ji Guangli's happiness at this moment was real, but perhaps it stemmed from the surprise of finding a way out of a desperate situation; it was temporary.

The "heartfelt happiness" required by the system likely meant a more lasting and profound state—the kind of joy that comes from unloading all burdens and feeling relaxed and happy from the bottom of one's heart.

The road ahead is long indeed!

Cao Kun sighed in his heart.

But looking at Ji Guangli's smile, he felt full of motivation again.

At least, it was an incredibly wonderful start.

Meanwhile, outside the office door, Sister Zhang, Xiao Wang, and the others who were eavesdropping had collectively turned to stone. Then came uncontrollable low gasps and discussions.

"My god! Two to three million! Cao Kun negotiated that?"

"Xuefen Food? That's the big company, Xuefen Food!"

"It sounds like he knows their Chairman's secretary? Does Cao Kun have that kind of background?"

"He's been hiding his light under a bushel! Department Two is saved now!"

"No wonder he was so tough a few days ago... Turns out he had a trump card?"

"Manager Ji smiled! Did you see that? Manager Ji actually smiled so happily! I've never seen her smile like that!"

"It looks like this time... Cao Kun is really going to take off..."

...

Inside the office.

Ji Guangli began to deploy her plans with vigorous efficiency. "Since this is a rare opportunity, we must seize it. Cao Kun, do you think we should wait for Manager Li to return, or should we take the initiative and go there?"

Cao Kun said immediately, "Boss, I think we should take the initiative and go to the City of Luo. Firstly, it shows our sincerity and how much we value this. Secondly... to avoid any complications from a long delay."

Ji Guangli nodded, a flash of approval in her eyes. "Mm, that's exactly what I was thinking. The City of Luo isn't far, less than an hour by high-speed rail. I'll go with you. After all, I'm the department manager, and the other party is also at the manager level. It wouldn't be appropriate if I didn't show up, and it would seem like a lack of respect."

"Great! I'll let Long... Sister Long know right away."

In front of Ji Guangli, Cao Kun dialed Long Huili's number again and briefly explained their plan to go directly to the City of Luo to sign the contract with Manager Li.

Long Huili chuckled on the other end of the phone. "Alright, you're quite proactive. I'll send you Manager Li's number. I've already spoken to him, so you can contact him directly to make an appointment. Perform well when you get to the City of Luo, and don't embarrass your big sister!"

"Don't worry, Sister, I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!" Cao Kun hung up and saved Li Bin's number.

Beside him, Ji Guangli listened to Cao Kun calling her "Sister" so affectionately and naturally, her shock deepening.

It seemed that the relationship between Cao Kun and this Secretary Long was far more than a simple acquaintance.

This subordinate, who usually seemed to have no background, was truly hiding his light under a bushel.

It seemed she would have to get to know this subordinate well in the future.

...